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California State University, Long Beach
Health Resource Center, Student Health Services
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Human Muscle DiagramBack Pain

What is lower back pain?

There are two types of lower back pain:
  • Acute Lower Back Pain – lasts no longer than 6 weeks
  • Chronic Lower Back Pain – could last a lifetime
As many of you imagine, it is pain that is felt in the lower back where a ligament or a muscle is holding the vertebrae. The ligaments and muscles becoming very weak cause this and the spine loses its ability to stabilize the back. Since the spinal cord involves nerves it causes the pain and weakness to be attributed to their parts of your body.
Note: If you are experiencing pain that is lasting more than 2 weeks, it is advised to see a doctor.

How does lower back pain occur?

  • Carrying and/or lifting heavy objects
  • People who are overweight tend to have weak back muscles
  • Muscles, joints and connective tissue of the back may become inflamed due to an infection or an immune system problem.
  • A small percentage is due to aging and disease

How do you know you have lower back pain?

  • Pain in the back or legs
  • Stiffness and limited motion
  • Numbness
  • This pain may be continuous or may be occurring in certain positions. Sneezing, coughing, twisting, straining, or even through bending, aggravates pain.

If you are experiencing...

  • Numbness
  • Tingling
  • Loss of movement of an arm or leg
  • Chest pain or difficulty breathing
  • Fever
  • Increased severity of pain after using a pain reliever
  • Loss of bladder control
  • Difficulty walking or keeping your balance
    CALL your doctor immediately!

What can be done if I have a more serious back injury?

  • Get treated with a pain-relieving injection
  • Surgery (this is rare and is used in about 2% of all cases)
  • Treatment:
    • Use a heating pad or a hot water bottle
    • Rest on a firm mattress
    • Take aspirin or other anti-inflammatory medicine
    • Have your back massaged
    • Begin a program of physical therapy

What can I do to prevent lower back pain?

  • Sit straight in a chair
  • Don’t push with your arms when you move an object
  • Hold packages close to your body
  • Bend with your knees
  • Lie on your side with your knees bent while you sleep
  • Avoid lifting heavy objects higher than your waist